Dinner? Never Mind. A Third of Diners Are Walking Out Before the Meal Arrives Due to Inconsistent Service

3 in 10 say long waits drive them to leave without eating

Rude service, cold meals, and sticky menus mean no return visit

Downsizing is in—kids’ meals hit 44%, solo dining jumps to 55%

New research from Lightspeed Commerce Inc., the unified omnichannel platform powering ambitious retail and hospitality businesses in over 100 countries, reveals that diners across the U.S. are becoming more decisive about what they will—and won’t—put up with when eating out.

From rude service to rising tipping fatigue, today’s diners are increasingly clear on what matters. According to Lightspeed’s survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers, 40% say rude service would keep them from returning to a restaurant, followed by cold food (34%), long waits (27%), and sticky tables or menus (24%). And in many cases, diners don’t even stay long enough to order—nearly 1 in 3 say they’ve walked out due to long wait times, while 1 in 5 have left because of rude staff.

“In a time when people are choosing their dining experiences more intentionally, delivering on the basic foundations of good service—like hot food, respectful service, and reasonable wait times—matters more than ever,” said Adoniram Sides, SVP, Hospitality at Lightspeed. “Customers are looking to feel valued the moment they walk through the door. In order to build loyalty and drive sales, restaurateurs need the tools and systems to get those fundamentals right. As dining becomes more of a treat, customer expectations will continue to rise.”

The Kids’ Menu Grows Up

It’s not just service that’s getting a second look. Nearly half (44%) of adults admit to ordering from the kids’ menu for themselves. Their reasons? Smaller portions (38%), simpler choices (37%), and more budget-friendly prices (31%). Whether it’s a mini burger or mac and cheese, the kids’ menu is becoming a smart option—not just a nostalgic one.

Tip Fatigue on the Rise

While tipping remains a staple of North American dining culture, attitudes are shifting. More than half (54%) of diners say they feel pressured by preset tipping screens—up from 47% last year. Inflation continues to influence habits, with 44% saying they are tipping less. And nearly a third (29%) say they would prefer to eliminate tipping altogether.

Despite these shifts, most diners still recognize the value of good service:

• 59% say tipping delivery drivers is important
• 33% say the same for coffee shop staff
• The most common range for strong service remains 15–20%

Solo Dining Goes Mainstream

More diners are also going it alone—and liking it. This year, 55% say they dine out solo by choice, up from 45% in 2024. What once felt unconventional now feels intentional: 33% see it as self-care, and 30% use it as a way to try new places. With Instagram scrolling (24%) and people-watching (37%) among the top solo activities, restaurants have a new opportunity to create welcoming, one-top friendly spaces.

“From solo diners to savvy tippers, the message is clear: customers are confident in what they want,” added Sides. “For restaurants, there’s a real opportunity in listening closely and adapting quickly. That starts with clear communication across your front and back of house, ensuring every part of the operation is aligned to deliver a smoother, more consistent customer experience.”

To learn more about Lightspeed and how it supports the hospitality industry, visit https://www.lightspeedhq.com/pos/restaurant/.